ALCS Game 5: Red Sox vs Astros Preview and Pick

Astros Look to Continue ALCS Down 3-1

The Houston Astros look to keep the Boston Red Sox from clinching a berth in the World Series tonight. It could be the first time since 2013 for the Red Sox to get the Series.

TV: 8:09 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (0-1, 9.95 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (2-0, 3.18).

ODDS: The Astros are -185-moneyline favorites. The total is 8 Under -120.

Andrew Benintendi made a game-saving diving catch of Alex Bregman's liner to left field with the bases loaded for the final out of Wednesday's dramatic 8-6 triumph.

Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning of Game 4, giving him two blasts and nine RBIs over his last three games.

The Astros were hurt Wednesday by a controversial fan-interference call. It turned Jose Altuve's would-be two-run, first-inning homer to right field into an out. Boston's Mookie Betts reached above the fence to try and catch the ball.

Price and Verlander Head to Head in ALCS Game 5

Price warmed up during the final two innings of Game 4 but wasn't used. He draws the start in Game 5 after ace Chris Sale (stomach) was ruled out as a possibility on Wednesday.

Price is 0-9 in 11 career postseason starts following a no-decision in Game 2. He gave up four runs and five hits over 4 2/3 innings.

Sale tentatively is slated to start a potential Game 6 at home on Saturday.

Closer Craig Kimbrel recorded the first six-out save of his career on Wednesday but allowed one run, two hits and three walks while notching one strikeout.

Verlander defeated the Red Sox in Game 1. He gave up two runs and two hits over six innings. He stated he doesn't see an issue with facing a team a second time in a series, but he still will tinker with his game plan.

George Springer belted his first homer of the series in Game 4. He is a stellar 13-for-31 with four blasts in the team's seven postseason contests.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Astros 4

ALCS Betting Odds & Trends

Boston Red Sox
Red Sox are 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Boston's last 13 games
Boston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 9 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Houston
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston

Houston Astros
Houston is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games at home
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Boston
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

 

Next up:
Boston home to Houston Saturday, October 20

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